By Benjamin Akoto
Sunyani, Oct. 3, GNA – The Sunyani-based Global Media Foundation (GLOMEF), a media advocacy and anti-corruption Non-Governmental Organisation has called on Ghana’s development partners to support the nation in her fight against illegal mining before the situation worsened.
It expressed regret that illegal mining was becoming alarming and called for an all-inclusive approach to tackle the menace proactively, saying “galamsey extends beyond national borders, impacting environmental sustainability and human rights on a global scale”.
“Tackling the menace requires a combination of strict enforcement of mining regulations, community engagements, and sustainable livelihood programmes,” it added and stressed the need for all stakeholders to come together and support the government to fight the menace.
In a statement issued and signed by Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Chief Executive Officer, of GloMeF, noted that measures being undertaken by the government to bring the menace under control were inadequate, saying the nation required robust and realistic strategies to tackle it.
A copy of the statement made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani said the devastating effects of illegal mining were enormous, from environmental destruction to pollution of water bodies.
“We are witnessing the destruction of rivers, farmlands, and forestry resources which are vital for the livelihoods of the people,” it stated.
Despite the government interventions, illegal mining activities seemed insurmountable and therefore the nation required an all-inclusive approach to bring the situation under control.
“Our concerns are shared by environmental experts and local communities who have long endured the consequences of illegal mining, including drinking contaminated water, loss of livelihoods and health complications,” the statement indicated.
It therefore called for greater transparency and accountability in fighting the menace and asked the government to increase support for alternative livelihoods to reduce economic “dependence on galamsey”.
GNA